Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-07-13

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Friday, 13 July 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Foreign Minister meets with French counterpart
• [02] House of Representatives call on Britain to suspend installation of antenna
• [03] References to Cyprus in the House of Commons
• [04] Cyprus ratifies the Ramsar Convention

[01] Foreign Minister meets with French counterpart

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed the progress made by Cyprus in the accession negotiations for EU membership as well as the efforts for the resumption of the peace talks for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. They also had a discussion on the future of Europe.

In a statement after the talks, Mr Kasoulides said the meeting was useful and constructive and expressed satisfaction for the positions voiced by Mr Moscovici.

[02] House of Representatives call on Britain to suspend installation of antenna

At the same time, the House urges the Cyprus government to take all necessary steps and not to give its consent for the construction of the antenna before having the recommendations of independent experts on the environmental and health impact of the antenna on the health of the inhabitants.

The resolution states that the construction of the new antenna will have a negative impact on the environment of the Akrotiri wetland and a serious and irrevocable impact on the ecosystem of the region, its flora, fauna and wildlife.

It underlines that the health of the inhabitants of the region and the likely effects of the electromagnetic energy from the planned antenna construction on their health, are of primary importance.

Finally it authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives to take all necessary steps to raise the issue before the European Parliament, parliamentary groups, the British Parliament and wherever else it considers useful for the purpose of alerting these bodies to prevent this British action.

[03] References to Cyprus in the House of Commons

"The current United Nations settlement process offers the best chance of securing a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus, and we remain committed to supporting the UN's efforts. In conjunction with the US and our EU partners, we urge all concerned to engage positively," Mr Hain said, replying to a question by Mr Simon Hughes MP (Southwark, North and Bermondsey) on the plans of the British Government in contributing to a lasting peace and constitutional settlement in Cyprus.

Asked by Mr Hughes whether Cyprus should be able to complete accession negotiations with the EU by the end of next year, with a view to taking part in the 2004 European elections, Mr Hain said that the "British Government very much welcome the progress being made by Cyprus, which has completed 22 of the 31 chapters needed to qualify for accession. Cyprus is an old friend, and we want its accession bid to succeed".

Mr Hain said that those Conservative Members who want to block enlargement by holding up the Nice treaty are preventing friendly nations such as Cyprus, Malta, Hungary and Lithuania from enjoying the benefits of democracy, prosperity, stability and peace that EU membership brings. "Cyprus would be among the first wave of countries to benefit from that membership", he added.

Asked by Mr. Gerald Kaufman MP (Manchester, Gorton) whether he would he make it clear to the Turkish Government that the whole House considers that Turkey's admission to the EU remains out of the question as long as it is in illegal occupation of one third of Cyprus, Mr Hain stated that "formidable obstacles" remain to be overcome before Turkey can accede to the European Union through the enlargement process.

"Those obstacles must be dealt with so that we can move forward, which is what we want to happen. We want to work with the Turkish Government to ensure that the obstacles are overcome in a way that benefits all who would be penalised if they were allowed to remain", he said.

Replying to a question put forward by Mr Francis Maud Maude MP (Horsham) as to whether he could give a firm date by which he expects Cyprus to be able to accede to the European Union Mr Hain said:

"The progress that Cyprus is making should mean that it clears all the obstacles by the end of next year. If everything remains on course, enlargement will take place and Cyprus will participate in the 2004 European elections to become a fully - fledged member of the EU, as we want it to be"

.

Finally, asked by Mr. Stephen McCabe MP (Birmingham, Hall Green) to give "an assurance that the appalling violence that we witnessed last week will not be allowed to interfere in any way with British efforts to secure the peaceful resolution of the wider problems in Cyprus" Mr Hain replied:

"I can certainly give my hon. Friend that assurance. We are working closely, in particular with the assistance of our special envoy, Sir David Hannay, with the United Nations and others--including the European Union--to involve Turkey, Cyprus and Mr. Denktash more positively in discussions to ensure that a settlement and the achievement of our objective and that of the UN, which is a bizonal, bicommunal Cyprus, are achieved".

[04] Cyprus ratifies the Ramsar Convention

The aim of the Ramsar Convention is the preservation and rational utilization of wetlands, mainly through protection programmes, recognizing them as ecosystems of particular importance for the preservation and protection of biodiversity.

It must be noted that approximately 900 wetlands worldwide have been included in the list of important wetlands of the Convention. Cyprus has requested the Larnaca Salt Lake to be included in the list of important wetlands.

The Ramsar Convention has already been ratified by all the European Union member states, by the associated members as well as by all the Mediterranean states.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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